So, yes, i have eighteen more years of homeschooling ahead of me. I love it and wouldnt change that fact for anything. However there is a reality that comes into play when you have multiple kids with very different talents and interests. Ive seen it done in a few different ways...
Ive seen the "the whole family or noone" approach. Where an activity really has to nurture the whole family or the majority of the family or else it is a no-go. I can understand this from a Mom's perspective. It is certainly healthy for the family as a whole. There arent kids just waiting, waiting, waiting for everyone else. Plus it allows for more togetherness and family time.
Then I have seen the approach where each kid gets to choose one or two out of home activities. This is fair and allows the kids to each choose what really is important to them. I can see the benefit of this choice too. It is especially a plus for saving driving time and money. It also allows for more family time.
The other path I have seen is the run around like crazy trying to support each child in their interests and talents. This seems to be the path most people take. The benefit is that each child gets to really pursue their interests and talents. It does not support the overall health of the family though. It is especially difficult on the younger kids who dont yet have their interests or talents defined.
To be honest, while I understand each of these possible choices or styles, none of them make me feel really "good". It seems that there has to be a way for homeschool families to come together and support one another in our journey to help our children achieve their best and have opportunities to participate in activities that require real planning or work on the behalf of a teacher, mentor or coach. I am realizing that one parent can only provide but so many opportunities to each child. I tried to find a FLL team for years, but in the end had to form one so that Grey could participate in something we knew he would just love. I looked and researched Jane Goodall's Roots & Shoots program for years, only to have to form one so that my family could participate in this rewarding and incredible program. There is a pattern forming.... One that cant exist once I have three or four kids all "in play" at the same time. Each group or activity requires a lot of time and coordination. There has to be a better way!!
I keep flirting with the idea of starting a group in Abq that creates a network of families who want to provide their kids with the same wonderful and fun programs that are found in the countries best schools or organizations, but as a homeschooler. It would be great if I could focus on AHERT while another family takes on the planning and coordination of the National History Day program. Then I wake up and think I must be crazy to try to take on the coordination of something else, especially something so big. It would take a committee or something. I just feel so torn about whether or not to even bother getting involved in something else. Then I think about how great it would be if it were successful, and how it could support my family and my kids for years and years to come. Invest now for a possible future with less stress and more opportunities, or focus inward and continue to do the best I can to support and inspire each of the kids the way I have been so far????
Ugh, maybe it is just the hormones!
